Introducing Honey-Tinged Lies

I’ve mentioned before that the longer these series go on, the harder it gets to write release blogs without giving away massive spoilers. I love to crack open my writer’s notebook and peel back the veil on my process. But I obviously don’t want to give away the story.

In the past, I have been able to talk about different parts of the process and how they have impacted that particular release. There’s been a distinct evolution to my writing and publication process that has been fun to explore. But I’ve also settled into that routine now, so there’s not much to discuss.

Still, I’ll do my best.

This is the first time I’ve reached the third trilogy of a series and not had to say this was originally supposed to be the ending. Every other time I have extended a major series beyond book 6, it’s been because more of the plot fell out of my brain in the process of writing the first part. But The Aruvalia Chronicles was always going to be at least 9 books long.

The original plan was to put a massive time jump after book 6. The focus of the story was also going to shift away from Domerin toward a second generation of characters whose relationship to him would eventually be revealed. His absence would have become a major part of the plot, as it would have shaped the other characters involved in the story.

But as I sat down to plan the actual series, I quickly realized that time gap would need to be filled in on-camera. Because the true overarching plot of the series didn’t start to materialize until I outlined books 7-9.

There are two major reasons for that – which I’d like to share with you today.

Domerin’s Past

Most of the characters in the Aruvalia Chronicles enter the territory of the novels with massive back stories. But since the story mostly focuses on the present, I haven’t had time to deal with most of the background – yet.

Crescent’s long and sordid history with his mother began to show its ugly face in the second trilogy. And his struggle with that shaped a lot of his decisions and actions throughout those books.

Domerin, on the other hand, has been running from his past for a long time. Again, we’ve seen hints of it. The biggest indicator is the cross-shaped scar he bears on his face and how he got the first half of it. His father has been mentioned several times as well – though the real story has been swept under the table. Mostly because Domerin doesn’t want to deal with it.

The biggest problem with running from the past, however, is that it eventually catches up with you. And much like Crescent’s past caught up with him, Domerin’s is about to do the same. In a spectacular and explosive way.

Domerin’s past has always informed his present, of course. I have been aware of all the dark and sordid details about to reveal themselves since I started working on this series. But I didn’t expect them to explode across the page in quite the way they did. Not that I’m complaining. The content of books 7, 8 and 9 of the Aruvalia Chronicles are some of my favorites, in part because they forced me to examine aspects of a character he himself was trying to keep buried.

This story challenged my skill to tell it. But I’m a better writer for having tackled it – and the story is better for showing it.

A Rival for Domerin

From the start of the Aruvalia Chronicles, I have taken care to challenge my main character. Domerin is a skilled and able warrior, one of the elite among his kingdom. But I’ve never wanted it to feel like he eclipses all the challenges set in his path. That would weaken the narrative and make all of his victories feel cheap.

In previous installments of the series, Domerin’s skills have been highlighted by the way he handles an increasingly challenging set of foes. But at some point, you have to find balance between old stakes and new. Otherwise the challenges become so ridiculous, the audience can’t take them seriously.

I didn’t realize it until I started writing this installment, but what Domerin needs at this point in his career is a rival. Someone who can trip him up and who will definitely come back for more even if he manages to triumph.

I created a character that fit this role perfectly before I even realized the story’s need. And when I looked back over my notes, I realized I had also created a perfect foil for Domerin, someone whose challenges and skills served to highlight and compliment his own even while challenging and opposing him.

I don’t want to say too much, obviously, for risk of spoilers. But I do think I can at least safely name Domerin’s rival. I have dangled his name a few times on my streams – mostly because I named my new computer after him.

Hadariel Langdale is as elite a warrior as Domerin. In fact, they share roots in the Queen’s Division. But there, all similarity between them ends. How will Domerin tackle this tenacious new foe? Well… you’ll have to read the story to find out!

Honey-Tinged Lies is Available Now!

Grab your copy today!